Cristo Fernández, the actor who plays Dani Rojas on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso,” has written a new bilingual children’s book [1].
The project aims to bridge linguistic gaps and celebrate cultural heritage for young readers. By leveraging his visibility as a beloved television character, Fernández is using the medium of children's literature to encourage authenticity and pride in one's origins [2].
During an interview on NBC News Daily in the U.S., Fernández promoted the title, “Fútbol is Life” [1]. The book is designed to be accessible to both Spanish and English speakers, reflecting the bilingual nature of the sport and the actor's own background [3].
“I hope this book shows kids (and grown‑ups) that being yourself — where you come from, your culture — is something to celebrate,” Fernández said [2].
Beyond the book, the actor used the appearance to discuss his personal return to professional soccer. He also spoke regarding the upcoming fourth season of “Ted Lasso,” suggesting the show's themes of optimism continue to influence his creative endeavors [1].
Fernández highlighted the emotional connection he maintains with the sport, noting that he will never forget his first World Cup experience [4]. This personal history serves as the foundation for the book's narrative, which mirrors the enthusiasm his character exhibits on screen [1].
“Fútbol is life,” Fernández said [1].
““I hope this book shows kids (and grown‑ups) that being yourself — where you come from, your culture — is something to celebrate.””
The release of “Fútbol is Life” aligns with a broader trend of actors expanding their brands into educational and multicultural literature. By timing the promotion alongside the announcement of a fourth season of “Ted Lasso,” Fernández is capitalizing on the series' global popularity to promote bilingualism and cultural identity to a wider audience.
